“Furnace” a Fortress: Steel Men Still Undefeated

In front of a raucous home crowd at “the Furnace” Warwick Stadium the Perth Steel men continued their undefeated start to the new Scape Australian Volleyball Super League season, defeating the visiting Queensland Pirates 4-1.

Tom Heptinstall and Jose Martinez took up from where they left off last week with strong serving and hitting on the front court. Jordan Fancote chipped in to help out through the middle for good points, and the Steel claimed the first set 18-13.

With Pirates injected Andy Maclean in the second set, hoping to change their fortunes, but unforced errors cost them and the Steel took it 18-16.

A good start by the Steel in the third set saw them move out to a 13-7 lead, aided by a smart Powerplay call by coach Mark Peterson, and they were able to close out the win in three sets by taking the third 18-9.

The early scores in the fourth set saw the lead change hands several times. Powerplays by both teams moved the scores quickly to 14-14. The Pirates prevailed to win the fourth set, 14-18.

A controversial start to the fifth set took some time to sort out. The Pirates settled first and went out to a 1-5 lead, however great defense by Dan Piggott and Lewis McDonald cut that short. The scores settled at 12-12 but the Steel were victorious going on to win 18-13.

Best players for the Pirates were Olly Merritt, Bradley Sting and captain Kieran Ivers. The best for the Steel were Tom Heptinstall, Lewis McDonald and Ky Landers, although the whole team contributed.

A good 4-1 win to the Steel should keep them sitting near the top of the league table. 

Next week the Steel takes on the Melbourne Vipers with that match being telecast on SBS on Demand.